annular solar eclipse with bird(s) in silhouette in a time-lapse photo
Eclipse Flyby. Image Credit & Copyright: Zev Hoover, Christian A. Lockwood, and Zoe Chakoian. For an explanation of the photo, click here..


Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.

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Current and previous weeks astrological overviews

Astrological Overview:: October 24 - 30, 2022

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.

Aspects of Note this Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. (For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.)

MON: Moon in Libra opposite Eris and square Pluto
TUE: New Moon/partial solar eclipse 3:28 a.m. PDT, Mercury quincunx Neptune
WED: Mercury opposite Eris, Moon in Scorpio opposite Uranus and square Saturn, Mercury trine Mars
THU: Mercury square Pluto, retrograde Jupiter re-enters Pisces
FRI: No major aspects are exact today
SAT: Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune, Mercury quincunx Jupiter, Mercury enters Scorpio
SUN: Mars stations retrograde****

SOLAR ECLIPSE: A partial solar eclipse adorns the skies on Tuesday, October 25, synchronized with a Scorpio New Moon. The lunation occurs at 3:48 a.m. PDT, when the Sun and Moon align at 02°00´ Scorpio and are also tightly conjunct Venus, which will be 02°39´ of the sign.


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Eclipses come in pairs (or sometimes trios) twice a year, and often correspond with profound changes that may feel karmic or fated in some way. This is due to the fact that an eclipse occurs when a lunation is positioned near the Moon's nodal axis. The Nodes represent our current evolutionary path, with the South Node showing the traits we are releasing and the North Node indicating the qualities we are meant to develop.

This Tuesday's eclipse is a South Node eclipse, which simply means the Moon and Sun are near the South Node. This type of eclipse can activate the shadow qualities that we, individually and collectively, are working to transmute. While Scorpio has many stellar qualities, this week's eclipse may bring forward the shadow traits of the sign; these include an addiction to drama and intensity, a need to control or manipulate, and the use of underhanded tactics to gain power. And, because Scorpio is a very passionate sign, our feelings are the driving force behind actions and emotional reactivity is heightened.

METAMORPHOSIS: The sign Scorpio is also associated with the process of death and rebirth. In the Northern Hemisphere, where it is autumn right now, we see this playing out in nature as the leaves fall from the trees and many plants pull their energy inward. All of this, of course, is in preparation for new growth in the months ahead, a rebirth after a perceived death.

This example provided by the natural world is helpful for us to remember as we work with the energies of this week's eclipse, and with the effects of the total lunar eclipse in two weeks' time. The essence of life continues, through and beyond the profound changes that may occur. The emotions that arise now are meant to be processed and released, so that we can emerge cleansed and renewed. Like the mythical phoenix that rises from the ashes, we are burning away that which has been limiting our evolution.

ECLIPSE ASPECTS: Most significant in the chart for the solar eclipse is the close alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Venus. This proximity of the New Moon to the goddess of Love and Beauty shines a spotlight on themes of relationships, finances, values, and the arts. These are areas in our experience that will be activated throughout the coming lunar cycle, and where we could see significant changes occur.

The New Moon is also in a challenging square aspect to Pluto. Pluto, as god of the Underworld and natural ruler of the sign Scorpio, always brings intensity to a situation. The powerful emotions associated with Pluto are usually a necessary step in the process of transmutation that is underway. Like a psychotherapist, the planet can bring to the surface hidden fears and other repressed or suppressed emotions that have actually been controlling us from behind the scenes.  

As we navigate the solar eclipse energies this week, we might want to watch for a tendency to go to extremes. This is already a trait associated with Scorpio, but it is enhanced with the New Moon trine assertive Mars in Gemini and quincunx the giant planet Jupiter in Aries. These aspects indicate that some may take action, speak out, or initiate changes without considering their ramifications. 

MARS RETROGRADE: Another very significant event this week occurs next Sunday, October 30, when Mars comes to a standstill and begins its ten-week retrograde phase.

Until January 12, while Mars is moving backward, our work is to be more aware of how we utilize our life force and our assertive nature. This is a time to reassess our desires and how we put ideas into action, to better understand our impulses and motivations. Mars retrograde in Gemini asks us to take more time before acting, and to go within to access a deeper wisdom rather than merely acting on the directives of the "rational" mind.

As with Mercury retrograde periods, there are some cautions about what to expect when Mars is in reverse. If we act impulsively during this time, we may find our efforts go nowhere or even backfire. New endeavors may not unfold as planned or we may not have the patience to do the hard work necessary to support a new enterprise. If we run into obstacles, it is a clue that our energies are not aligned in some way, and it is time to "go back to the drawing board," to get in touch with our true motivations.

Because of the delays that can occur, people may feel very restless and more easily become frustrated and irritated while Mars is retrograde. Impatience and anger come to the surface as we struggle internally with what we think we want versus what our Higher Self and Soul know is best for us.

DAILY ASPECTS: Here are this week's important planetary aspects, along with my brief interpretations of each. I am including the Moon's hard aspects to Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, and Eris since the Moon can act as a "trigger" for the energies of the longer-term Saturn-Uranus and Pluto-Eris squares. 
 
Monday
Moon in Libra opposite Eris and square Pluto: Relationship themes are central today, as inequalities and manipulations are revealed.
 
Tuesday
New Moon/partial solar eclipse, 3:48 a.m. PDT: This eclipse activates the energies of the fixed star Beta Carinae. As explained by astrologer Roderick Kidston in his book The Magic of the Stars, “There’s a lot of drama with this star. It seems to create a good deal of excitement and intensity. Keeping on an even keel is not always easy. Emotions are strong, sometimes impassioned, and could get out of control. Be careful of getting too worked up, causing you to lose perspective and inner balance.”
Mercury quincunx Neptune: Communications may be confusing today, or we may not be sure what or who to believe. Decisions are best delayed for a day when our minds are more clear and emotions are calmer.
 
Wednesday
Mercury opposite Eris, Mercury trine Mars: Disagreements are fueled by strong opinions. A war of words is possible. Be aware of a tendency to speak impulsively.
Moon in Scorpio opposite Uranus and square Saturn: We feel emotions very strongly today. There is a restlessness and a need for freedom that can steer us in new directions or bring about endings. At the same time, we may deal with frustrations and have a sense of sadness about what we are leaving behind.
 
Thursday 
Mercury square Pluto: The mind may be more suspicious than usual, tending to see only shadows instead of the light. Arguments are possible, as everyone has very strong opinions and may not be open to hearing alternative views. 
Retrograde Jupiter re-enters Pisces: Jupiter revisits Pisces from October 28 to December 20. During this time, we are especially drawn inward to seek spiritual answers to life's questions.
 
Friday
No major aspects are exact today.
 
Saturday
Venus sesquiquadrate Neptune: Uncertainty, confusion, or disillusionment may be experienced when dealing with relationship or financial issues today.
Mercury quincunx Jupiter: Be aware of a tendency to exaggerate to make a point.
Mercury enters Scorpio: While Mercury is in Scorpio, from October 29 to November 7, we are drawn to deeper conversations. Superficial exchanges, or anything that feels "untrue," raise suspicions and doubt.
 
Sunday
Mars stations retrograde: Mars will be retrograde in Gemini until January 12. During this time, we are encouraged to retrace recent steps to reflect on previous efforts so that we better align our actions with our higher intentions in the future.

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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: Themes related to Venus, the goddess of Love and Beauty, are strongly highlighted in your life this year. This could mean important developments in the areas of relationships and partnerships, in your finances, material resources, or values, or in your artistic or aesthetic expressions. Your self-concept and identity are closely linked to these areas of life, and you dive more deeply into whatever you feel passionate about. (Solar Return Sun conjunct conjunct Venus) 

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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is now recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English)  or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).

The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.

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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.

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About the Author

Pam YounghansPam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or leave a message at 425.445.3775.

For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit northpointastrology.com or visit her Facebook page.